FADE IN

Close-up on Darion as he lies on his side fast asleep, his cheek resting on his palm, his face lit by reflections from the campfire in the night. The camera pulls back to show Darion asleep in his bedroll and Haimon sitting before a fire, stirring it thoughtfully with a stick. In the background, we see Gabrielle appear through the trees, followed by Ares. Haimon glances up at her and Gabrielle smiles.

GABRIELLE:
      Hey.

HAIMON:
     Welcome back. (pauses) How did it go?

GABRIELLE:
     Pretty good. You know, saved the village, defeated the bandits--the usual. (looks around) Did I miss anything?

HAIMON:
     Not much. I made Darion his dinner, fed Klio, watered her and brushed her down, got Darion washed up in the lake, tucked him in and told him a bedtime story. (pauses) Though I'm told I don't hold a candle to you.

Sensing his resentment at being left behind, Gabrielle opens her mouth to speak but Haimon smiles brightly.

HAIMON (continues):
      So--Klio and Darion have both been watered, fed, brushed and bedded down--just like you ordered.

GABRIELLE (stares at him, hurt and bewildered):
     I didn't... (she shakes her head as if to shake off the bad mood) I don't want to fight, Haimon. I've had a long day--I'm tired and hungry and I--

Haimon sighs and shakes his head sadly.

HAIMON:
      "I" this and "I" that. Whatever happened to "us," Gabrielle?

GABRIELLE:
     I... (she stops and thinks a moment.) We're together, aren't we?

HAIMON:
      Together... (he smiles bitterly) What does that mean? I stay behind and baby-sit while you go off with Xena...or whoever happens to be playing Xena this week?

Darion stirs and sighs in his sleep and Gabrielle and Haimon both turn to look at him. They also notice Ares, who is taking off his sword, pretending to look casual.

GABRIELLE:
      We'll wake up Darion...

HAIMON (frowns and nods):
     Right...

She reaches out and brushes her fingertips over the back of his hand. Haimon doesn't react for a moment, then gently takes her hand in his. He looks up at Gabrielle and they share a tentative but tender smile.

GABRIELLE:
     Has Xena been back?

HAIMON (shakes his head, his smile fading):
     No.

A look of disappointment flits across Gabrielle's face.

GABRIELLE (sighs):
     All right... (She removes her sais and her boots) I think I'm going to go and wash up.

HAIMON:
     I'll be here.

The camera follows Gabrielle as she walks away, then pans back to a thoughtful Haimon. Ares sits down on the other side of the fire, with a loaf of bread in one hand and a wineskin in the other. He bites off a piece of bread and takes a sip of wine. After a moment he glances at Haimon.

ARES:
     Getting tired of playing second fiddle, huh?

HAIMON (startled):
     Say what?

Ares gives him a bitter, crooked grin and drinks some more wine. Haimon stares at him thoughtfully, then turns away, looking into the night.

HAIMON:
     They'll always come first for each other.

A moment's silence.

ARES (mutters, more to himself than to Haimon):
     Welcome to the club.

He takes another gulp of wine, then passes the wineskin to Haimon and takes another bite of bread.

HAIMON:
     Is it worth it?

ARES:
     Yeah. (shrugs) In a can't-live-with-'em-can't-live-without-'em kind of way.

HAIMON:
     Hmm. (He pauses to mull this over, then takes a drink from the wineskin) You know, if you're hungry, there's some stew left over...

ARES:
     Good idea.

A rustling of branches and underbrush is heard, and Gabrielle comes up.

GABRIELLE (looks at Ares and Haimon, smiling):
     What are you two up to? Male bonding?

ARES:
     I don't do bonding.

GABRIELLE (chuckles):
      Right. (She comes to Haimon and sits down next to him, putting her hand on his arm) Are you all right?

HAIMON (gives her a long look, then smiles):
     Yeah. I'm all right.

GABRIELLE:
      Good. (grins) Let's eat.

She suddenly sits up, an intense look on her face as if she's listening to something. So does Ares.

ARES and GABRIELLE (whisper simultaneously):
     Xena...

There is a flash of blue light and Xena appears before them.

ARES (glances at Gabrielle):
      You feel her too?

GABRIELLE:
      Please--Xena and I have been together for years. You think I'm not going to know when my best friend is around?

Xena smiles at her warmly.

ARES:
      Right.

Darion stirs and sits up. His eyes widen at the sight of Xena.

DARION:
      Xena! You're back! Can you show me some god tricks?

GABRIELLE (comes over and sits down by his side):
     Not now, sweetie...you should go back to sleep. (She touches his face) Aren't you going to say hello to me, too?

DARION:
     Hi, Gabrielle. (He sits up and gives her a quick peck on the cheek) Did you get the bad guys?

GABRIELLE (smiling):
     Yes, we did.

DARION:
     Was Ares a real hero?

Gabrielle thinks a moment, then smiles mischievously but warmly.

GABRIELLE:
      He was. (pats Darion's back) Now be a good boy and go back to sleep, okay?

DARION:
     Okay. (He settles back into his bedroll.) But Xena has to show me some tricks tomorrow.

Gabrielle sits silently for a few moments, stroking his hair, then turns to Xena.

GABRIELLE:
      So--how was your day?

XENA:
     Oh...just your standard God of War stuff. I helped someone win a battle. (Off Gabrielle's uneasy look) Don't worry. I'm not going to let it go to my head.

ARES:
     What happened?

XENA:
     I promised my favor to a king... (reassuringly) Gabrielle, it was for a good reason. And besides--I have to do Ares' job if we're going to change back, don't I? I watched the battle, and the king's soldiers started to lose. And then...it was strange. (pensively) They called out for my help and then--it was as if some amazing power filled me and flowed from me into the soldiers, and renewed their strength. (quick pan to Ares, who looks at her intently) But that wasn't all...it was as if their battle spirit was...feeding me, too.

ARES (thoughtfully):
     You felt it...

Gabrielle looks worried. Xena puts a hand on her shoulder.

XENA:
      Trust me, Gabrielle--I can handle it. (after a moment's tense silence, she changes the subject) So--what's this about getting the bad guys and Ares being a hero?

GABRIELLE:
      We had to go save a village from a gang of thugs.

XENA:
      You and-- (she looks uncertainly at Ares)

GABRIELLE:
      Yep. (she smiles) Ares even saved a little boy.

XENA (turns to Ares, smiling):
     A hero, huh...

ARES:
      Don't spread the word.

XENA:
      Oh don't worry, I won't. But I can't vouch for Gabrielle. (gives Gabrielle a mischievous look, then turns back to Ares) I guess we are doing a pretty good job of--being each other, aren't we?

GABRIELLE:
      So maybe Aphrodite will switch you back soon?

DARION (sleepily):
     I hope she does. Ares promised he'd show me some tricks once he gets his powers back. (yawns)

Xena and Gabrielle look at Darion, chuckling.

ARES:
      You know, this could be the last night of this whole role reversal gig.

XENA (a hint of seduction in her voice):
      The only night.

They look at each other. Gabrielle clears her throat and looks away, then walks over to Haimon.

GABRIELLE:
      Have you had dinner yet?

HAIMON:
      I was waiting for you.

GABRIELLE:
      Good. Then let's have it.

The camera pulls back on Xena and Ares while Gabrielle and Haimon are visible in the background. Ares stands up facing Xena.

XENA:
      I'm guessing you don't really want to sleep out here, do you?

ARES:
      What did you have in mind?

XENA (grins a little):
     Let me show you.

She holds out her hand. He looks at her hesitantly, a little intimidated. Then he takes her hand, weaving his fingers through hers. The blue light brightens around them and they disappear.

Gabrielle turns to look at the spot where they vanished. She looks worried.

CUT TO

Inside Ares' temple--the same one where we saw Xena and Ares in the teaser. Xena and Ares appear in the middle of the hall. As the blue light fades, she lets go of his hand and he steps back. He looks rather nervous.

XENA (smiles seductively):
     You know, I have desired you from the first time I saw you in battle.

ARES (swallows nervously):
      You have?

XENA (comes closer and lightly touches his chest with her fingers through the opening in his vest):
      And now, after all the years... (leans closer) ...all the games... (she leans even closer and slides her hand up his chest) ...will I, won't I... (leans closer so that her lips are now almost touching his) ...I think I will.

She kisses him passionately. After a moment she pulls away and looks at him, smiling.

ARES (grins, slightly out of breath):
      You're seducing me, aren't you?

XENA:
      Do you mind?

ARES:
      I don't stand a chance, do I...

XENA (huskily):
     No.

She reappears behind him and runs her hand down his chest. A faint red glow starts to emanate from her fingers and then grows brighter, creating a scarlet red glow on Ares' stomach just like he did to her in "Path of Vengeance." He throws his head back, gasping and closing his eyes.

ARES:
     You do have many new skills...

XENA (grins):
     All this and embroidery too.

She moves her hand up his chest, the red glow now there, and simultaneously licks his left ear, lightly tugging at the earring with her teeth. Ares shivers and moans slightly. The red glow subsides, and Xena is facing Ares again. She lifts a finger and touches his lips. He opens his eyes, his breathing now ragged.

She runs her finger over his cheek, then leans forward and kisses him, in a way reminiscent of the dream in "Eternal Bonds"--running her tongue over his lips, then capturing his mouth in a kiss.

The camera pulls back to show that Ares is now shirtless and barefoot, his leather pants replaced by loose silky black ones, while Xena is barefoot as well and clad in an almost sheer black nightgown with only thin straps holding it up, her hair flowing over her shoulders.

After they break the kiss, Ares looks at her and at himself.

ARES:
     You're getting good at this.

XENA:
      You ain't seen nothing yet.

They kiss again.

DISSOLVE TO

Close up of Ares' face. He is asleep, his eyes closed. The camera pulls back to show him lying on a large bed under black sheets, with Xena lying beside him. She is facing him and is propped up a bit higher on the pillows behind her, watching him sleep. She slowly runs her hand up his chest; he stirs but doesn't wake up. She sighs and closes her eyes, resting her head against his.

A moment later, her eyes flash wide open and she sits up abruptly. She closes her eyes, sensing something. In her mind, we hear the faint sounds of grunting voices and the rattle of metal.

Xena opens her eyes and steps out of bed. We see her bare back from the waist up. Close up of her face as she smiles.

XENA:
     I could get used to this.

The camera pulls back to show her fully clothed in her armor, complete with chakram and sword.

ARES (still in bed, sleepily):
     Hmm. So could I...

Xena looks back at him. They smile at each other, and Xena disappears in a flash of light.

CUT TO

Dawn. An army is moving along a country road, led by several people on horseback. In front of them is a lean but muscular man in dark brown leather armor, his black hair slicked back.

LEADER:
     Come on! Sicyone is within our reach and we will be the first to conquer it in the name of Xena, the new Goddess of War!

The men cheer; shouts of "Praise the Goddess!" are heard.

A rumbling sound signals Xena's appearance as she materializes in front of the general. The troops stop; gasps and murmurs are heard. The leader quickly dismounts and bows.

XENA:
     Call it off, Glacus.

GLACUS (looks up in shock):
     Call it off?

XENA:
     Are you hard of hearing?

GLACUS (shocked):
     But--why? Ares would never--

XENA:
     Well, I'm not Ares. I do things my way.

GLACUS (still disbelieving):
     You've got to be joking. (Off Xena's steely glare in which we see a touch of white glow) Or--not.

XENA (smiles wickedly):
      You're not going to argue with the Goddess of War, now are you, Glacus? (of his silent headshake) Good boy. Now, go back to camp.

Glacus nods and turns his horse around, facing the bewildered men.

GLACUS:
      Back to camp!

The warriors begin to turn around somewhat reluctantly, muttering their disappointment at not being able to go into battle as they go. Xena watches them for a moment, then disappears.

CUT TO

Glacus is riding toward the camp, looking glum, with his men behind him. There is a flash of pale blue light off screen and a screeching noise. Glacus stops and stares. Pan to Discord, who is standing in front of him.

DISCORD:
      You're not really going back to camp, are you?

GLACUS (bewildered):
      Well, Xena said--

DISCORD:
      Forget what she said. Don't you see she's just testing you?

GLACUS:
      She is?

DISCORD:
     Hey, I'm a goddess, I know these things. Did you think you were going to please Xena by conquering some insignificant little village in her name? You need to go after bigger game. Like, for instance--Naupa. Nice, rich town just a day's march from here.

GLACUS (unsure):
      Are you sure that's what she wants? Should I ask her?

DISCORD:
      You idiot! War gods want those who serve them to show some initiative. Just do it. Trust me, she'll be pleased. If you play your cards right--you may become her right-hand man.

Glacus grins, dreaming of the possibilities.

GLACUS:
     All right, then. (turns to his troops) To Naupa!

The men cheer. Discord watches with a wicked smile as the troops march on.

DISCORD:
     And now--part two.

DISSOLVE TO

Wide shot of another army gathered in a field. From a distance, we see Discord appear to the leader, who is wearing a long black cloak and a heavy-duty silver helmet. They talk briefly, Discord pointing to something in front of her. The general nods and then mounts his horse.

Close-up of the army leader.

COMMANDER:
      To Naupa! We'll be the first to conquer a town in the name of the new Goddess of War.

Close-up on Discord's face. She grins evilly, cackles and disappears.

CUT TO

The campsite. Xena, Ares, Gabrielle, Haimon and Darion are sitting around the smoldering remnants of a campfire. There is a lavish breakfast laid out before them, though not quite as excessive as the day before.

XENA (smiling a little):
      You know, I've been thinking...these powers I've got--I could use them for good. To save people...to make sure wars are fought only for the right cause... Maybe we should just stay this way, huh? What do you say?

Ares and Gabrielle look at her, both slightly alarmed. Xena smiles at Ares.

ARES:
      You mean--I get to stay mortal. (he pauses a moment; we hear the tick-tock of a clock and then a ding) I don't think so.

Xena shakes her head at him, chuckling slightly.

GABRIELLE:
     I agree with Ares. (he shoots her a mock look of surprise) Xena, I--I just don't think being a god is right for you. This...sense of power you get from the battles they fight in your name...it hasn't changed you yet, but how do you know it won't?

XENA (half-joking):
      Thanks for the vote of confidence.

GABRIELLE:
      And besides-- (smirks) --there's no way I'm spending the rest of my days as a sidekick to Bob.

ARES (gleeful):
      So you admit you're the sidekick!

Gabrielle gives him a mock glare.

Xena chuckles--but her smile quickly fades and she looks up, very alert.

HAIMON:
      What's the matter?

ARES:
      There's a war somewhere, isn't there?

Xena doesn't answer, listening intently.

ARES (sighs and drops his head in his hands, muttering to himself):
      I hate not knowing what's going on.

DISSOLVE TO

A close up of a soldier's boots. We hear the beat of marching feet. Pulling back, we see an army is on the move. Glacus is riding at the front.

DISSOLVE TO

Another army is on the march. The commander in the silver helmet and black cloak is in the lead.

DISSOLVE TO

Xena turns to look at everyone.

XENA:
      There are two armies on the move, both heading straight for Naupa.

HAIMON:
      What do they want?

XENA (grimly):
      To be the first to conquer a town in the name of the new Goddess of War.

The others pause a moment to digest this.

ARES:
      This is something we want to stop, right?

Xena says nothing. Haimon, Gabrielle and Ares exchange looks. Then Gabrielle looks at Xena.

GABRIELLE:
      Right?

Xena is still silent. Close-up of her face, reflecting conflicting emotions as we:

FADE OUT

END OF ACT THREE